Marmara Archipelago (Turkish; Marmara Takimadaları) is a group of islands located in the South of the
Sea of Marmara, belonging to the
Balıkesir Province of
Turkey. The Marmara Islands consist of four inhabited and 17 uninhabited islands. The
archipelago has one small central town called Marmara (population 2000) and 13 villages. The inhabited islands are
Marmara,
Avsa,
Pasalimani and
Ekinlik.
The two islands are divided between the different districts of the Balıkesir Province. Avsa and Ekinlik belong to
Marmara District, which is the biggest island in the area, and Pasalimani belongs to Erdek District, which is located in
Kapidagi Peninsula.
Marmara is a mountainous and island with a mostly green landscape. The island has beaches, hotels and
pensions although it is not a popular tourist spot. Avşa is a smaller island with less vegetation, less mountainous landscape, more beaches, more nightlife alternatives and is bustling during the summer season. Pasalimanı and Ekinlik Islands have few tourists, less vegetation and minimal facilities for travelers.
Inhabited islands
Marmara Island - 117.8 square km (Population: 6.800). Villages; Marmara (center), Gundogdu, Cinarli, Asmali, Topagac, Saraylar
Avşa Island - 36 square km (Population: 2527). Villages; Avsa (center), Yigitler
Paşalimanı Island - 21.3 square km (Population: approx 1500). Villages; Pasalimani, Harmanli, Tuzla, Balikli, Poyrazli
The distance from Istanbul to Marmara Island is 76 nautical miles (141 km; 87 mi). Transport facilities vary depending on the season. During the summer season many tourists visit the islands. Avşa and Marmara have daily connections from Istanbul from May to October. Connections are available everyday from Tekirdağ and Erdek. Paşalimanı has daily transport from Erdek District only. Ekinlik Island has connections through Erdek District and Avşa Island.[1]